Just the opposite of forgotten! A whirlwind of interest from the mid 20th century modern minded interior designer is in full speed ahead! From the boomerang, atomic, and the starburst shapes to the cylindrical lines and the ethnic influences…..it's all in high demand. The history behind California Potteries is a driving force for their growth in popularity and price.
During World War II with the ban on imports in place, many entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to open shop to design and create their own pottery lines…….many of which are mentioned below. Sadly, many of these potteries closed down by the early 1950's with post-war imports from Italy and Japan creating fierce competition. Only a few of them survived into the 1960's.
I first came to know about California Pottery when I stumbled across a book by author, Jack Chipman, titled "Collector's Encyclopedia of California Pottery - second edition". My eyes were opened to some very spectacular artists' lives with very interesting backgrounds and stories that I think needs to be told to art & design enthusiasts. Thanks to people like Jack Chipman, their stories and designs are documented and kept alive!
My collecting first began with California Pottery pieces designed by Sascha Brastoff, then Marc Bellaire, Matt Adams, Barbara Willis, Brayton Laguna, Ann Cochran, Maxine Cloud, Madeline Originals, Bell of California, Hedi Schoop, Howard Pierce, Rockwell Kent, Charles and Alice Smith, and DeForest of California.
One of my favorites is Barbara Willis. She owned an early to mid 20th century pottery company that was very successful. Some of her early pottery pieces were made of earthenware and were referred to as her "Terrene" line which means "of the earth". The bright crackled glazes of candle holders, boxes, vases, jugs, and horse figurines are highly sought out by avid "BW" collectors. Her vintage lines are simple, somewhat primitive in style, yet so contemporary. It's no wonder that she was awarded the "Living Legend Award" at the Los Angeles Pottery Show in February of 2006. She sold much of her work to some of the top department stores such as Gumps, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus, to name a few. She is currently creating her contemporary line in Malibu. You can view Barbara Willis' profile by visiting www.AccessoryHut.com, click on ARTISTS, and then click on her name. If you would like to meet Barbara Willis in person, she will be attending the September 2006 Los Angeles Pottery Show in Pasadena. Stop by her booth and purchase some of her outstanding contemporary pieces from clay medallion necklaces to eye-catching press-molded chargers, low bowls and vases. If you would like more information about Barbara Willis' scheduled exhibits, email the gallery at Shop@AccessoryHut.com or contact Barbara Willis directly from her profile page.
Another favorite of mine is Marc Bellaire who used to work under Sascha Brastoff before venturing out on his own to open his ceramics business in Culver City, California. He was listed in the leading trade publication, "Giftwares", as being one of the top ten artware designers of the late fifties. I especially favor the "Luau" and "Hawaiian" lines he designed.
In his final days, he created in his studio in Cathedral City, California, just outside of Palm Springs. Marc Bellaire died in 1994
And let's not forget Hedi Schoop! She was a prominent ceramics artist from North Hollywood during the 40's and 50's. In 1933, she fled Nazi Germany with her well known husband, Frederick Hollander, the Academy award winning composer. In 1958 her plant was shut down due to a fire. Hedi Schoop was born in Switzerland in 1906 and died in North Hollywood in 1996.
The list of California Potters is a long one with many stories to tell. When accessorizing your home with collections of art pottery, one should consider one or more of these fabulous potters. I like to think of it as a way to preserve a part of our history. Let's not forget an important, artistic time in our country! Keep the history alive!
Alice Krueser is the owner of http://www.AccessoryHut.com, an online art gallery that promotes the arts and its members of the "Directory of Artists" to the design industry as well as the general public. The gallery's slogan: "Home Decor with Yesterday's & Today's Artists in Mind". A great source for art history, design tips, and a directory of interior designers. Sign up to receive the gallery's newsletter titled "Art Promotion in Motion" that promotes artists, designers, and events. Member artists are given complimentary use of the gallery's shopping cart where interior designers and the general public can purchase art directly from the artist. Member artists never pay gallery commissions. The gallery strategically brings the artist together with the interior designer at one site. It's a win, win relationship!